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Frequently Asked Question - Does de-watering of an excavation require a permit?

Does de-watering of an excavation require a permit?

The dewatering of more than 20 cubic metres (20,000 litres) a day may require an Abstraction Licence under the Water Resources Act 1991.  

The Water Abstraction (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2017 removed the right to exempt dewatering from regulation controlled by the Water Resources Act. The majority of exemptions that previously applied to dewatering have been removed with effect from 1st January 2018. There are certain exemptions which are in place under the Water Abstraction and Impounding (Exemptions) Regulations 2017  in relation to construction dewatering only – including Regulation 5. 

For any dewatering, whether requiring authorisation or exempt, it is recommended that you follow the guidance within Preparing a hydrogeological impact assessment. 

 

For more information about abstraction licensing, including dewatering and other forms of abstraction, and whether a licence is required or exempt, please refer to GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-need-a-licence-to-abstract-water.  

 

Last updated: Nov 2025 

CL:AIRE will not be responsible for any loss, however arising, from the use of, or reliance on, the information contained in the responses above, nor do they assume responsibility or liability for errors or omissions in the information provided. Readers are advised to use the information contained herein purely as a guide and to take appropriate professional advice where necessary.